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1. When did El Medio Fire Protection District close their doors?

In December of 2020, the El Medio Board of Directors voted to close their doors and cease all services on December 25, 2020. El Medio Board of Directors have voted to reopen their doors. Opening date is pending.

2. Why are they collecting a special tax on my property tax bill?

On June 3, 1980 and on November 4, 2008 voters within the boundary of El Medio passed two special taxes. These taxes are to be collected on the annual property tax bills of all taxable parcels within the district boundary.

3. If they are not providing services, how can they still charge the two special taxes?

Per the voter approved measure, the revenues raised by the special tax "will only be used to defray operating expenses, capital improvement expenditures and debt repayment". El Medio, although currently not providing service, may continue to collect the special taxes until the debt is paid off or the district is dissolved.

4. What are the future plans for El Medio?

On March 9, 2022, the El Medio Board of Directors voted to reopen their station. Opening date is pending.

5. Is El Medio in compliance with what the citizens voted for?

They are, in part, compliant. However, per the ballot that was approved by the voters, the special tax is deposited into an account held by Butte County Treasury "in accordance with Government Code Section 50075.1, and shall be expended according to a plan developed annually by the District staff and approved and adopted by the District's Board of Directors. A citizens' oversight committee appointed by the Board will review and report on the expenditure of tax revenues."

• Government Code 50075.1(d) requires an annual report pursuant to Section 50075.3. A request to receive a copy of this report was made by the Butte County Auditor-Controller, however the report has not been delivered
• A citizens' oversight committee has not been appointed by the Board
• All expenses are currently paid by staff of the Auditor-Controller and those payments are deducted from El Medio's account held by Butte County Treasury. Once the El Medio Board approves an expense, they submit a request for payment to the Auditor-Controller's office. Auditor-Controller staff then closely reviews each request prior to issuing payment

6. Does El Medio have the authority to write checks? Are they being audited?

Butte County Auditor-Controller, Graciela Gutierrez, revoked her check signing authority in December of 2021 when El Medio remained closed after one year. By revoking her authority, El Medio staff are no longer allowed to write their own checks. Her authority was revoked in an attempt to strengthen internal control weaknesses and provide support. Butte County Auditor-Controller requires the District to take the following corrective actions to qualify for the delegation of check writing authority:

• Visit their website for more information on the citizens' oversight committee, agenda items and more
• Board meetings are held at El Medio Fire Protection District
• Provide the District's legally required annual report per Government Code Section 50075.3 and place the same on the District's website for public access
• Implement internal controls for District payment requests to ensure accuracy of payments
• Otherwise come into compliance with applicable law

7. How can I be more involved?

• Apply to sit on the citizens' oversight committee so your voice can be heard
• Visit the El Medio Fire Protection District website for more information on the citizens' oversight committee, agenda items and more
• Board meetings are held at El Medio Fire Protection District located at:
  3515 Myers Street
  Oroville, CA
  Phone: 530-533-4484